US20100186612A1 - Printer - Google Patents
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- Publication number
- US20100186612A1 US20100186612A1 US12/752,558 US75255810A US2010186612A1 US 20100186612 A1 US20100186612 A1 US 20100186612A1 US 75255810 A US75255810 A US 75255810A US 2010186612 A1 US2010186612 A1 US 2010186612A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sheet
- label paper
- labels
- rfid
- flexible member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/315—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material
- B41J2/32—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads
- B41J2/325—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads by selective transfer of ink from ink carrier, e.g. from ink ribbon or sheet
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
- B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
- B41J3/4075—Tape printers; Label printers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
- B41J3/44—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms having dual functions or combined with, or coupled to, apparatus performing other functions
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a printer for holding a sheet of label paper wound into a roll, which includes RFID (radio frequency identification) labels, unwinding the held sheet, feeding the unwound sheet, writing information on the labels, and making prints on the labels.
- RFID radio frequency identification
- RFID labels are used for article management employing RFID technique. Bar codes and/or other information can be printed on RFID labels. An antenna and an IC chip are buried in each RFID label so that information can be written on and read from the label.
- a conventional printer includes a sheet holder and an RFID reader/writer.
- the sheet holder holds a sheet of label paper wound into a roll, which consists of a long mount and RFID labels stuck on the mount.
- the printer unwinds the held sheet of label paper and makes prints on the RFID labels while the unwound sheet is fed.
- the RFID reader/writer writes information on the RFID labels by communicating by radio with them.
- the RFID reader/writer may erroneously write information on the RFID labels at the outer periphery of the wound sheet, not the RFID labels of the sheet being fed.
- JP2005-335737A discloses a printer fitted with a shield plate in it, on both sides of which two spaces are formed.
- An RFID reader/writer is fitted in one of the spaces.
- a sheet of label paper wound into a roll is supported in the other space, which is a nonreceipt space where the electric waves etc. from the RFID reader/writer cannot be received so that erroneous writing can be prevented.
- the shield plate It is necessary to form between the shield plate and a casing a gap through which the sheet of label paper passes.
- the gap prevents the shield plate from shutting off the two spaces completely from each other.
- a space is formed around the sheet of label paper wound into a roll in the nonreceipt space.
- the electric waves emitted from the RFID reader/writer pass through the slight gap into the nonreceipt space and pass the space around the sheet of label paper wound into a roll, and may cause erroneous writing on the IC chips of the RFID labels of the wound sheet.
- an object of the present invention is to provide a printer which prevents erroneous writing on RFID labels at the outer periphery of a sheet of label paper wound into a roll and supported in the printer.
- a printer which includes: a sheet holder, a feed/print mechanism, an RFID reader/writer, and a flexible member.
- the sheet holder holds a sheet of label paper wound into a roll.
- the sheet of label paper includes a mount and RFID labels stuck on the mount.
- Each of the labels includes an IC chip and an antenna connected to the chip.
- the feed/print mechanism unwinds the held sheet of label paper, feeds the unwound sheet along the sheet path, and makes prints on the RFID labels of the sheet being fed.
- the RFID reader/writer writes information on the IC chips of the RFID labels of the sheet being fed along the sheet path.
- the flexible member extends over the antennas of the RFID labels of the held sheet of label paper, curves in contact with the outer periphery of the held sheet, and includes electrically conductive metal.
- a printer which includes: a sheet holder, a feed/print mechanism, an RFID reader/writer, and a flexible member.
- the sheet holder holds a sheet of label paper wound into a roll.
- the sheet of label paper includes a mount and RFID labels stuck on the mount.
- Each of the labels includes an IC chip and an antenna connected to the chip.
- the feed/print mechanism unwinds the held sheet of label paper, feeds the unwound sheet along the sheet path, and makes prints on the RFID labels of the sheet being fed.
- the RFID reader/writer writes information on the IC chips of the RFID labels of the sheet being fed along the sheet path.
- the flexible member extends over the antennas of the RFID labels of the held sheet of label paper, covers the outer periphery of the held sheet, and can absorb electromagnetic waves.
- FIG. 1 is a side view in longitudinal section of a printer embodying the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view in longitudinal section of the RFID reader/writer of the printer
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the RFID reader/writer
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of part of the printer, showing a flexible member curving in contact with a sheet of label paper loaded in the printer;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of part of the printer, showing other flexible members curving in contact with a sheet of label paper loaded in the printer;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the weight fitted to the free ends of the flexible members shown in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of part of the printer, showing still another flexible member curving in contact with a sheet of label paper loaded in the printer.
- a printer 1 embodying the present invention includes a main body 101 , to which one end of a sheet supporting shaft 102 and one end of an ink ribbon supporting shaft 103 are fixed.
- a sheet of label paper 201 and an ink ribbon 105 each of which is wound into a roll can be supported rotatably on the shafts 102 and 103 respectively.
- the sheet of label paper 201 consists of a long mount 202 and a number of RFID labels 203 stuck at regular intervals on the mount 202 .
- Each RFID label 203 includes an IC chip 206 and an antenna 205 which are buried in it and connected together.
- the printer 1 also includes a feed/print mechanism 141 for unwinding the sheet of label paper 201 supported on the shaft 102 , feeding the unwound sheet 201 , and making prints on the RFID labels 203 of the sheet being fed.
- the feed/print mechanism 141 includes a feed roller 106 , a pinch roller 110 , a platen 107 , and a thermal head 115 .
- One end of the feed roller 106 , one end of the platen 107 , one end of a rewinder 108 , and one end of a ribbon winding shaft 109 are supported rotatably by the printer body 101 .
- the feed roller 106 , the platen 107 , the rewinder 108 , and the winding shaft 109 are connected to a motor (not shown) for rotating them.
- the pinch roller 110 is biased with a preset pressure toward the feed roller 106 so as to come into contact with the cylindrical surface of the feed roller when the sheet of label paper 201 is not fed.
- the platen 107 is positioned adjacently under a head block 111 , which consists of a casing 112 and the thermal head 115 .
- the casing 112 is fixed to the printer body 101 and open at it bottom.
- the thermal head 115 is biased toward the platen 107 so as to come into contact with the cylindrical surface of the platen when the sheet of label paper 201 is not fed.
- the sheet 201 is fed along a sheet path 151 leading through the nip between the feed roller 106 and the pinch roller 110 and the nip between the platen 107 and the thermal head 115 .
- the sheet 201 passes through the nip between the platen 107 and the thermal head 115 , its mount 202 is bent down by a label release 116 and subsequently wound up on the rewinder 108 , while the RFID labels 203 are released from the mount 202 and pass straight.
- the ink ribbon 105 supported on the shaft 103 is rewound
- the ribbon 105 is fed through the nip between the platen 107 and the thermal head 115 and subsequently wound up on the winding shaft 109 .
- the rotation of the feed roller 106 and platen 107 at preset speeds unwinds the sheet of label paper 201 and feeds the unwound sheet along the path 151 at a preset speed. While the sheet 201 is fed along the path 151 , the thermal head 115 prints information on the RFID labels 203 . In the meantime, the rotation of the ribbon winding shaft 109 at a preset speed feeds the ink ribbon 105 at the same speed as the sheet. 201 is fed.
- a feed sensor 117 is fitted between the feed roller 106 and the platen 107 and senses the feed of the sheet of label paper 201 .
- the sensed feed is the basis for controlling the feed of the sheet 201 and ink ribbon 105 so as to make prints in position on the RFID labels 203 .
- the printer 1 further includes an RFID reader/writer 121 fixed to the printer body 101 .
- the reader/writer 121 is positioned between the feed roller 106 and the rewinder 108 and on the under side of the sheet path 151 .
- the reader/writer 121 writes information on the label 203 by communicating by radio with the label.
- the RFID reader/writer 121 includes an antenna 131 through which it reads information from and writes information on the IC chip 206 positioned over it.
- the reader/writer 121 also includes a pair of fixing plates 132 , a pair of screws 133 , and a frame 135 .
- the frame 135 is fixed to the printer body 101 and includes an antenna panel 134 formed at its top.
- the frame 135 has a pair of holes formed through its bottom.
- the panel 134 has a pair of bosses 134 a formed on its under side, each in vertical alignment with one of the frame holes.
- the fixing plates 132 have tapped holes formed through them.
- the RFID labels 203 are of the passive type and have no batteries fitted in them.
- the labels 203 may be supplied with electric power by means of electromagnetic induction at a frequency of 13.56 MHz.
- the buried antenna 205 of each label 203 receives the magnetic field from the reader/writer antenna 131 .
- the received field generates electric power in the buried antenna 205 , thereby activating the associated IC chip 206 .
- the labels 203 may be supplied with electric power by means of electric waves at an UHF.
- each buried antenna 205 receives electric waves from the reader/writer antenna 131 .
- the received waves generate electric power in the buried antenna 205 , thereby activating the associated IC chip 206 .
- the activation of each IC chip 206 enables the associated label 203 to communicate by radio with the reader/writer 121 .
- the strip of cloth 301 is wider than the sheet of label paper 201 , as shown in FIG. 4 , but might not be wider than it.
- the strip 301 might be narrower than the sheet 201 as far as the strip 301 covers the buried antennas 205 .
- the free end of the flexible member 301 is downstream from the fixed end of the member in the direction in which the wound sheet of label paper 201 rotates on the shaft 102 by being unwound. This keeps the flexible member 301 from shifting or falling by being pulled by the rotation of the wound sheet 201 . Even when the wound sheet 201 decreases in diameter, the flexible member 301 keeps in contact with the outer periphery of the wound sheet 201 .
- the weight 303 on the free end or ends of the flexible member 301 increases the weight of this end or these ends, thereby keeping the end or ends from floating up. This keeps the flexible member 301 in closer contact with the outer periphery of the wound sheet 201 .
- the free end or ends of the flexible member 301 float up or not depends on the weight of the member etc. Therefore, the free end or ends could, even without the weight 303 fitted, be kept from floating up.
- the weight 303 could be omitted even if the omission might allow the free end or ends to float up to some extent.
- FIG. 5 shows another example of the flexible member 301 .
- the parts shown in FIG. 5 which are identical with the counterparts in FIG. 4 are indicated with the same numerals as the counterparts are indicated, and the description of the parts will be omitted.
- the flexible member 301 may take the form of a sheet covering the outer periphery of the wound sheet of label paper 201 .
- the flexible member 301 may be metal wires as far as they can change the characteristics of the buried antennas 205 of RFID labels 203 at the outer periphery of the wound sheet 201 by being close to these antennas.
- each metal wire 301 is wound on and fixed to the fixing shaft 302 .
- the free ends of the wires 301 are fixed to a weight 303 , which consists of a cylindrical body 304 and a pair of screws 305 .
- the cylindrical body 304 has a pair of tapped holes 306 formed in its ends. Each screw 305 engages with one of the tapped holes 306 .
- the metal wires 301 are in contact with the outer periphery of the wound sheet of label paper 201 and extend across the buried antennas 205 of RFID labels 203 positioned at the sheet periphery.
- the metal wires 301 change the characteristics of these antennas 205 , so that these labels 203 cannot communicate by radio with the RFID reader/writer 121 . This prevents erroneous writing on these labels 203 .
- the metal wires 301 are shown as three in number in FIG. 5 , but the number of metal wires 301 is not limited to three as far as they can prevent erroneous writing on the RFID labels 203 .
- FIG. 7 shows still another example of the flexible member 301 .
- the flexible member 301 may be a flexible sheet which can absorb electromagnetic waves.
- the flexible sheet 301 may include ferrite or another magnetic material, which absorbs the magnetic field components of electromagnetic waves and converts them into heat, so that the flexible sheet 301 absorbs the waves.
- the flexible sheet 301 should cover the buried antennas 205 of RFID labels 203 at the outer periphery of the wound sheet of label paper 201 supported on the shaft 102 . Even if the magnetic field etc. from the RFID reader/writer 121 reach these labels 203 , the flexible sheet 301 covering these antennas 205 absorbs the field etc., so that erroneous writing on these labels 203 is prevented.
Abstract
A printer according to the present invention includes a sheet holder, a feed/print mechanism, an RFID reader/writer, and a flexible member including electrically conductive metal. The sheet holder holds a sheet of label paper wound into a roll. The sheet of label paper includes a mount and RFID labels stuck on the mount. Each of the labels includes an IC chip and an antenna connected to the chip. The feed/print mechanism for unwinds the held sheet of label paper, feeds the unwound sheet along the sheet path, and makes prints on the RFID labels of the sheet being fed. The RFID reader/writer writes information on the IC chips of the RFID labels of the sheet being fed along the sheet path. The flexible member extends over the antennas of the RFID labels of the held sheet of label paper and curves in contact with the outer periphery of the held sheet.
Description
- The present application is a Divisional Application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/788,336 filed Apr. 19, 2007, which is based on Japanese Priority Application Nos. P2006-120383 filed on Apr. 25, 2006 and P2006-120384 filed on Apr. 25, 2006, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a printer for holding a sheet of label paper wound into a roll, which includes RFID (radio frequency identification) labels, unwinding the held sheet, feeding the unwound sheet, writing information on the labels, and making prints on the labels.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- RFID labels are used for article management employing RFID technique. Bar codes and/or other information can be printed on RFID labels. An antenna and an IC chip are buried in each RFID label so that information can be written on and read from the label.
- A conventional printer includes a sheet holder and an RFID reader/writer. The sheet holder holds a sheet of label paper wound into a roll, which consists of a long mount and RFID labels stuck on the mount. The printer unwinds the held sheet of label paper and makes prints on the RFID labels while the unwound sheet is fed. While the unwound sheet is fed, the RFID reader/writer writes information on the RFID labels by communicating by radio with them. The RFID reader/writer may erroneously write information on the RFID labels at the outer periphery of the wound sheet, not the RFID labels of the sheet being fed.
- For example, JP2005-335737A discloses a printer fitted with a shield plate in it, on both sides of which two spaces are formed. An RFID reader/writer is fitted in one of the spaces. A sheet of label paper wound into a roll is supported in the other space, which is a nonreceipt space where the electric waves etc. from the RFID reader/writer cannot be received so that erroneous writing can be prevented.
- It is necessary to form between the shield plate and a casing a gap through which the sheet of label paper passes. The gap prevents the shield plate from shutting off the two spaces completely from each other. Also, a space is formed around the sheet of label paper wound into a roll in the nonreceipt space. The electric waves emitted from the RFID reader/writer pass through the slight gap into the nonreceipt space and pass the space around the sheet of label paper wound into a roll, and may cause erroneous writing on the IC chips of the RFID labels of the wound sheet.
- In particular, in an RFID technique using an UHF for radio communication, which is expected to come into wide use, electric waves are reflected in the printer and easily reach the wound sheet of label paper.
- Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a printer which prevents erroneous writing on RFID labels at the outer periphery of a sheet of label paper wound into a roll and supported in the printer.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, a printer is provided which includes: a sheet holder, a feed/print mechanism, an RFID reader/writer, and a flexible member. The sheet holder holds a sheet of label paper wound into a roll. The sheet of label paper includes a mount and RFID labels stuck on the mount. Each of the labels includes an IC chip and an antenna connected to the chip. The feed/print mechanism unwinds the held sheet of label paper, feeds the unwound sheet along the sheet path, and makes prints on the RFID labels of the sheet being fed. The RFID reader/writer writes information on the IC chips of the RFID labels of the sheet being fed along the sheet path. The flexible member extends over the antennas of the RFID labels of the held sheet of label paper, curves in contact with the outer periphery of the held sheet, and includes electrically conductive metal.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a printer is provided which includes: a sheet holder, a feed/print mechanism, an RFID reader/writer, and a flexible member. The sheet holder holds a sheet of label paper wound into a roll. The sheet of label paper includes a mount and RFID labels stuck on the mount. Each of the labels includes an IC chip and an antenna connected to the chip. The feed/print mechanism unwinds the held sheet of label paper, feeds the unwound sheet along the sheet path, and makes prints on the RFID labels of the sheet being fed. The RFID reader/writer writes information on the IC chips of the RFID labels of the sheet being fed along the sheet path. The flexible member extends over the antennas of the RFID labels of the held sheet of label paper, covers the outer periphery of the held sheet, and can absorb electromagnetic waves.
- A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings,
- wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a side view in longitudinal section of a printer embodying the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view in longitudinal section of the RFID reader/writer of the printer; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the RFID reader/writer; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of part of the printer, showing a flexible member curving in contact with a sheet of label paper loaded in the printer; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of part of the printer, showing other flexible members curving in contact with a sheet of label paper loaded in the printer; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the weight fitted to the free ends of the flexible members shown inFIG. 5 ; and -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of part of the printer, showing still another flexible member curving in contact with a sheet of label paper loaded in the printer. - Detailed description of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , a printer 1 embodying the present invention includes amain body 101, to which one end of asheet supporting shaft 102 and one end of an inkribbon supporting shaft 103 are fixed. A sheet oflabel paper 201 and anink ribbon 105 each of which is wound into a roll can be supported rotatably on theshafts - With reference to
FIG. 4 , 5, or 7, the sheet oflabel paper 201 consists of along mount 202 and a number ofRFID labels 203 stuck at regular intervals on themount 202. EachRFID label 203 includes anIC chip 206 and anantenna 205 which are buried in it and connected together. - The printer 1 is fitted with a
flexible member 301 for contact with the outer periphery, of the wound sheet oflabel paper 201 on theshaft 102. Theflexible member 301 includes electrically conductive metal or is metallic. As shown inFIG. 4 , theflexible member 301 may be a strip of cloth woven with copper fibers over its whole. Afixing shaft 302 is positioned in front of and below thesheet supporting shaft 102. One end of thefixing shaft 302 is fixed to theprinter body 101. One end of the strip ofcloth 301 is wound on and fixed to thefixing shaft 302. The other end of thestrip 301 is free and wound on aweight 303. - The printer 1 also includes a feed/
print mechanism 141 for unwinding the sheet oflabel paper 201 supported on theshaft 102, feeding the unwoundsheet 201, and making prints on the RFID labels 203 of the sheet being fed. The feed/print mechanism 141 includes afeed roller 106, apinch roller 110, aplaten 107, and athermal head 115. One end of thefeed roller 106, one end of theplaten 107, one end of arewinder 108, and one end of aribbon winding shaft 109 are supported rotatably by theprinter body 101. Thefeed roller 106, theplaten 107, therewinder 108, and the windingshaft 109 are connected to a motor (not shown) for rotating them. Thepinch roller 110 is biased with a preset pressure toward thefeed roller 106 so as to come into contact with the cylindrical surface of the feed roller when the sheet oflabel paper 201 is not fed. Theplaten 107 is positioned adjacently under ahead block 111, which consists of acasing 112 and thethermal head 115. Thecasing 112 is fixed to theprinter body 101 and open at it bottom. Thethermal head 115 is biased toward theplaten 107 so as to come into contact with the cylindrical surface of the platen when the sheet oflabel paper 201 is not fed. - After the sheet of
label paper 201 supported on theshaft 102 is unwound, thesheet 201 is fed along asheet path 151 leading through the nip between thefeed roller 106 and thepinch roller 110 and the nip between theplaten 107 and thethermal head 115. After thesheet 201 passes through the nip between theplaten 107 and thethermal head 115, itsmount 202 is bent down by alabel release 116 and subsequently wound up on therewinder 108, while the RFID labels 203 are released from themount 202 and pass straight. In the meantime, after theink ribbon 105 supported on theshaft 103 is rewound, theribbon 105 is fed through the nip between theplaten 107 and thethermal head 115 and subsequently wound up on the windingshaft 109. - The rotation of the
feed roller 106 andplaten 107 at preset speeds unwinds the sheet oflabel paper 201 and feeds the unwound sheet along thepath 151 at a preset speed. While thesheet 201 is fed along thepath 151, thethermal head 115 prints information on the RFID labels 203. In the meantime, the rotation of theribbon winding shaft 109 at a preset speed feeds theink ribbon 105 at the same speed as the sheet. 201 is fed. - A feed sensor 117 is fitted between the
feed roller 106 and theplaten 107 and senses the feed of the sheet oflabel paper 201. The sensed feed is the basis for controlling the feed of thesheet 201 andink ribbon 105 so as to make prints in position on the RFID labels 203. - The printer 1 further includes an RFID reader/
writer 121 fixed to theprinter body 101. The reader/writer 121 is positioned between thefeed roller 106 and therewinder 108 and on the under side of thesheet path 151. When eachRFID label 203 of thesheet 201 being fed is positioned over the reader/writer 121, the reader/writer 121 writes information on thelabel 203 by communicating by radio with the label. - With reference to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , the RFID reader/writer 121 includes anantenna 131 through which it reads information from and writes information on theIC chip 206 positioned over it. The reader/writer 121 also includes a pair of fixingplates 132, a pair ofscrews 133, and aframe 135. Theframe 135 is fixed to theprinter body 101 and includes anantenna panel 134 formed at its top. Theframe 135 has a pair of holes formed through its bottom. Thepanel 134 has a pair ofbosses 134 a formed on its under side, each in vertical alignment with one of the frame holes. The fixingplates 132 have tapped holes formed through them. Eachscrew 133 extends loosely through one of the frame holes, with its head positioned on the under side of theframe 135, and is kept by ascrew retainer 133 a from moving vertically. The other end of eachscrew 133 is seated rotatably in the associatedpanel boss 134 a. Eachscrew 133 engages with the tapped holes of one of the fixingplates 131. Each fixingplate 132 grips one end of theantenna 131. The rotation of thescrews 133 varies the vertical position of theantenna 131. - With reference to
FIG. 4 , 5, or 7, the RFID labels 203 are of the passive type and have no batteries fitted in them. Thelabels 203 may be supplied with electric power by means of electromagnetic induction at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. In this case, the buriedantenna 205 of eachlabel 203 receives the magnetic field from the reader/writer antenna 131. The received field generates electric power in the buriedantenna 205, thereby activating the associatedIC chip 206. Alternatively, thelabels 203 may be supplied with electric power by means of electric waves at an UHF. In this case, each buriedantenna 205 receives electric waves from the reader/writer antenna 131. The received waves generate electric power in the buriedantenna 205, thereby activating the associatedIC chip 206. The activation of eachIC chip 206 enables the associatedlabel 203 to communicate by radio with the reader/writer 121. - With reference to
FIG. 4 , the strip ofcloth 301 is put on an upper portion of the outer periphery of the wound sheet oflabel paper 201. The flexibility and weight of thestrip 301 curve it along and in contact with the sheet periphery. Theweight 303 on the free end of thestrip 301 increases the weight of this member, further stabilizing the position of thestrip 301 along the sheet periphery. - It is essential that the strip of
cloth 301 should cover the buriedantennas 205 ofRFID labels 203 at the outer periphery of thewound sheet 201 supported on theshaft 102 and be in contact with the sheet periphery. This makes theseantennas 205 close to the metal of thestrip 301. The characteristics of the buriedantennas 205 are so designed that the RFID labels 203 can communicate by radio with the RFID reader/writer 121. The metal close to the buriedantennas 205 ofRFID labels 203 at the sheet periphery changes the characteristics of these antennas, so that theselabels 203 cannot communicate by radio with the reader/writer 121. This prevents erroneous writing onRFID labels 203 at the sheet periphery even if the magnetic field etc. from the reader/writer 121 reaches these labels. - The strip of
cloth 301 is wider than the sheet oflabel paper 201, as shown inFIG. 4 , but might not be wider than it. Thestrip 301 might be narrower than thesheet 201 as far as thestrip 301 covers the buriedantennas 205. - With reference to
FIG. 1 , the free end of theflexible member 301 is downstream from the fixed end of the member in the direction in which the wound sheet oflabel paper 201 rotates on theshaft 102 by being unwound. This keeps theflexible member 301 from shifting or falling by being pulled by the rotation of thewound sheet 201. Even when thewound sheet 201 decreases in diameter, theflexible member 301 keeps in contact with the outer periphery of thewound sheet 201. Theweight 303 on the free end or ends of theflexible member 301 increases the weight of this end or these ends, thereby keeping the end or ends from floating up. This keeps theflexible member 301 in closer contact with the outer periphery of thewound sheet 201. - Whether the free end or ends of the
flexible member 301 float up or not depends on the weight of the member etc. Therefore, the free end or ends could, even without theweight 303 fitted, be kept from floating up. Theweight 303 could be omitted even if the omission might allow the free end or ends to float up to some extent. -
FIG. 5 shows another example of theflexible member 301. The parts shown inFIG. 5 which are identical with the counterparts inFIG. 4 are indicated with the same numerals as the counterparts are indicated, and the description of the parts will be omitted. As stated already and shown inFIG. 4 , theflexible member 301 may take the form of a sheet covering the outer periphery of the wound sheet oflabel paper 201. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 5 , theflexible member 301 may be metal wires as far as they can change the characteristics of the buriedantennas 205 ofRFID labels 203 at the outer periphery of thewound sheet 201 by being close to these antennas. - One end of each
metal wire 301 is wound on and fixed to the fixingshaft 302. As shown inFIG. 6 , the free ends of thewires 301 are fixed to aweight 303, which consists of acylindrical body 304 and a pair ofscrews 305. Thecylindrical body 304 has a pair of tappedholes 306 formed in its ends. Eachscrew 305 engages with one of the tapped holes 306. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , themetal wires 301 are in contact with the outer periphery of the wound sheet oflabel paper 201 and extend across the buriedantennas 205 ofRFID labels 203 positioned at the sheet periphery. Themetal wires 301 change the characteristics of theseantennas 205, so that theselabels 203 cannot communicate by radio with the RFID reader/writer 121. This prevents erroneous writing on theselabels 203. - The
metal wires 301 are shown as three in number inFIG. 5 , but the number ofmetal wires 301 is not limited to three as far as they can prevent erroneous writing on the RFID labels 203. -
FIG. 7 shows still another example of theflexible member 301. The parts shown inFIG. 7 which are identical with the counterparts inFIG. 4 are indicated with the same numerals as the counterparts are indicated, and the description of the parts will be omitted. As shown inFIG. 7 , theflexible member 301 may be a flexible sheet which can absorb electromagnetic waves. Theflexible sheet 301 may include ferrite or another magnetic material, which absorbs the magnetic field components of electromagnetic waves and converts them into heat, so that theflexible sheet 301 absorbs the waves. - It is essential that the
flexible sheet 301 should cover the buriedantennas 205 ofRFID labels 203 at the outer periphery of the wound sheet oflabel paper 201 supported on theshaft 102. Even if the magnetic field etc. from the RFID reader/writer 121 reach theselabels 203, theflexible sheet 301 covering theseantennas 205 absorbs the field etc., so that erroneous writing on theselabels 203 is prevented. - Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above description of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
Claims (6)
1. A printer comprising:
a sheet holder for holding a sheet of label paper wound into a roll, the sheet including a mount and a plurality of RFID labels stuck on the mount, the labels each including an IC chip and an antenna connected to the chip;
a feed/print mechanism for unwinding the held sheet of label paper, feeding the unwound sheet along a sheet path, and printing on the RFID labels of the sheet being fed;
an RFID reader/writer for writing information on the IC chips of the RFID labels of the sheet being fed along the sheet path; and
a flexible member extending over the antennas of the RFID labels of the held sheet of label paper and covering an outer periphery of the held sheet of label paper wound into the roll, the flexible member being capable of absorbing electromagnetic waves.
2. The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible member includes:
a fixed end fixed relative to the sheet holder; and
a free end downstream from the fixed end in a direction in which the held sheet of label paper rotates by being unwound by the feed/print mechanism.
3. The printer according to claim 2 , further comprising a weight fitted to the free end of the flexible member.
4. The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible member comprises a flexible sheet including magnetic material.
5. The printer according to claim 4 , wherein the flexible sheet comprises a strip of cloth.
6. The printer according to claim 4 , wherein the magnetic material comprises ferrite.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/752,558 US20100186612A1 (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2010-04-01 | Printer |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2006-120384 | 2006-04-25 | ||
JP2006120384A JP4754399B2 (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2006-04-25 | Printer |
JP2006-120383 | 2006-04-25 | ||
JP2006120383A JP4754398B2 (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2006-04-25 | Printer |
US11/788,336 US7824118B2 (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2007-04-19 | Printer comprising a flexible member extending over the antennas of RFID labels wound on a roll |
US12/752,558 US20100186612A1 (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2010-04-01 | Printer |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/788,336 Division US7824118B2 (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2007-04-19 | Printer comprising a flexible member extending over the antennas of RFID labels wound on a roll |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20100186612A1 true US20100186612A1 (en) | 2010-07-29 |
Family
ID=38618231
Family Applications (2)
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US11/788,336 Active 2029-01-24 US7824118B2 (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2007-04-19 | Printer comprising a flexible member extending over the antennas of RFID labels wound on a roll |
US12/752,558 Abandoned US20100186612A1 (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2010-04-01 | Printer |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/788,336 Active 2029-01-24 US7824118B2 (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2007-04-19 | Printer comprising a flexible member extending over the antennas of RFID labels wound on a roll |
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US (2) | US7824118B2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
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US20100303531A1 (en) * | 2009-05-29 | 2010-12-02 | John Thomas Fessler | Printing Device for Printing of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Labels |
US20130014624A1 (en) * | 2011-07-11 | 2013-01-17 | Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha | Paper discharging apparatus, paper discharging method, image forming apparatus and image forming method |
CN105751707A (en) * | 2015-07-03 | 2016-07-13 | 昆山祥维电子科技有限公司 | Passive RFID visual card printer |
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DE602006020415D1 (en) * | 2005-03-03 | 2011-04-14 | Toshiba Tec Kk | PRINTER AND IC CHIP COMMUNICATION DEVICE |
US20080117027A1 (en) * | 2006-11-16 | 2008-05-22 | Zih Corporation | Systems, methods, and associated rfid antennas for processing a plurality of transponders |
JP2009083459A (en) * | 2007-09-10 | 2009-04-23 | Toshiba Tec Corp | Label printer, computer program for label printer, computer program and data transmitting method |
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JP2010206323A (en) * | 2009-02-27 | 2010-09-16 | Toshiba Tec Corp | Rfid printer |
TWI446271B (en) * | 2010-09-14 | 2014-07-21 | Icon Minsky Luo | Near field communication device, authentication system using the same and method thereof |
FI124191B (en) * | 2010-11-23 | 2014-04-30 | Stora Enso Oyj | Labeled sleeve |
US11268563B2 (en) | 2016-09-02 | 2022-03-08 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Fastener hook |
GB2587033A (en) * | 2019-09-16 | 2021-03-17 | Payper Tech Limited | Printing substrate, method of manufacture, method of use, and computer system |
JP2021190879A (en) * | 2020-06-01 | 2021-12-13 | 株式会社リコー | Image forming apparatus |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7824118B2 (en) | 2010-11-02 |
US20070245913A1 (en) | 2007-10-25 |
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Legal Events
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